Soccer-World Cup-Juninho sad but not bitter over omission
By Phil Minshull
MADRID, May 6 (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid midfielder Juninho
typically maintained his dignity over his omission from the
Brazilian World Cup squad on Wednesday.
Speaking after training with his club, he said: "I'm sad at
not being selected to be part of the squad. I thought I had done
enough to be included. However, I am not bitter.
"It would have been better to have been at the World Cup
than on my holidays but I'm going to work hard during the summer
and try to get back in the team," he added.
Brazilian coach Mario Zagallo said on Tuesday when naming
the squad that he was concerned about Juninho's fitness after a
three month absence from Spanish league action following a
broken ankle suffered in early February.
The diminutive Brazilian, one of the most exciting players
in the world with the ball at his feet, made his comeback for
Atletico on Sunday in a 2-1 loss at Mallorca.
"Physically and mentally I believe I have fully
recuperated," Juninho said.
Zagallo said Juninho would have been picked "if the
decision was made by our hearts," but instead "reason
prevailed" and he went for Barcelona's Giovanni.
Not surprisingly Giovanni could hardly contain his joy on
Wednesday. "This has become the best season of my career.
Winning the league and the Spanish Cup and now being selected
for the World Cup has realised my dreams. I can't ask for
anything more," Giovanni said.
In addition to Giovanni there are three other players with
Spanish clubs in the Brazilian squad - Real Madrid defender
Roberto Carlos, Deportivo Coruna midfielder Flavio Conceicao and
Barcelona striker Rivaldo.
| 
